TVA Files Suit Against Businessman Greg Vital, Other Property Owners For Access To Their Farms For Surveys, Drilling For Planned Major Power Line

Sunday, November 25, 2018

TVA has filed suit in Federal Court against several landowners for access to their property for surveys and drilling related to a planned major power line. TVA is planning a $300 million power control center in Meigs County.

One suit is against Greg Vital, a prominent businessman who has raised objections to the high-voltage line going across his Meigs County farm.

Another is against John and Bridget Vantiegham, who also own property in Meigs County along the route to the power control center. Another is against the owners of Cornerstone Farm in Meigs County.

Still another legal action is against Nellie Mae Carter for land in Hamilton County leading to the plant.

The suits say it is "for the taking of a temporary right under the power of eminent domain and for the ascertainment and award of just compensation to the owners and parties at interest."

They say, "The public use for which the temporary property right is taken is the conducting of surveys, core drilling, appraisals, title investigations, and related activities for the acquisition of an easement and right-of-way for the erection, operation, and maintenance of electric power transmission circuits and communication circuits."

TVA also filed a motion asking Judge Sandy Mattice to give TVA "immediate possession" of the properties to begin preparations for the line.

The complaints were filed by James A. Chase of TVA's General Counsel Office in Knoxville.

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